Yolanda Díaz Calls for Zero Tolerance on Corruption Amid Political Budget Disputes
Yolanda Díaz demands firm action against corruption in Spanish politics amid opposition disputes over budget proposals and governance in Catalunya.
- • Yolanda Díaz calls for action against corruption across all parties, highlighting cases involving PSOE and PP.
- • She criticizes the PP for blocking the creation of an anti-corruption agency.
- • Economic losses from corruption in Spain exceed 68 billion euros, as stated by Díaz.
- • Opposition party Junts rejects the 2026 General State Budget over spending and centralization concerns.
- • Prime Minister Sánchez defends government efforts in Catalunya, citing improvements and reconciliation measures.
Key details
Yolanda Díaz, Spain's second vice president and leader of the Sumar coalition, has issued a strong call to combat corruption across all political factions, emphasizing that corrupt officials must be held accountable irrespective of their origins. She pointed to ongoing investigations involving prominent figures from both the PSOE and PP parties, notably Koldo, the former PSOE secretary of organization detained preventively, and Javier Aureliano García, president of the Almería Provincial Council from the PP, who was arrested amidst probe on fraudulent mask procurement.
Díaz criticized the People's Party (PP) specifically for obstructing Sumar's proposal to establish a dedicated anti-corruption agency, urging them to desist and endorse effective measures to fight corruption. She stressed the significant economic toll of corruption in Spain, estimating losses surpassing 68 billion euros, much of which is related to prior PP administrations. Díaz reaffirmed Sumar's commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, highlighting the government's serious response to recent scandals.
In parallel political developments, opposition party Junts, represented by spokesperson Miriam Nogueras, announced it would not support the 2026 General State Budget. Nogueras criticized the proposed budget for its insufficient spending ceiling—allowing only an additional 40 cents per 100 euros authorized by Europe—and described it as excessively centralized and right-wing, questioning its acceptance among Catalan deputies.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended the government's record, citing tangible improvements in Catalunya's situation, citing efforts towards reconciliation, including measures of grace and amnesty validated by European institutions. Sánchez emphasized his administration's objective to restore cohesion and foster coexistence within Catalunya, Spain, and Europe amidst ongoing political tensions.
These recent statements underscore a politically charged atmosphere in Spain, with the government pushing for stringent anti-corruption efforts while navigating opposition critiques over fiscal policies and regional governance.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.